[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 44
National Weather Service Miami FL  AL112017
1153 PM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017

This product covers SOUTH FLORIDA

**MAJOR HURRICANE IRMA CONTINUING TO INCH TOWARD SOUTH FLORIDA**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Storm Surge Warning has been cancelled for Coastal Broward,
      Coastal Palm Beach, and Metro Miami-Dade

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Collier, Coastal Miami-Dade, Far South Miami-Dade,
      Inland Collier, Inland Miami-Dade, and Mainland Monroe
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Coastal Broward, Coastal
      Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Inland Broward, Inland Palm Beach,
      Metro Broward, Metro Miami-Dade, and Metro Palm Beach

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 160 miles south-southwest of Miami FL or about 190 miles
      south-southeast of Naples FL
    - 23.5N 81.0W
    - Storm Intensity 120 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 6 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Major Hurricane Irma remains a very dangerous threat for all
of South Florida, with a direct major hurricane impact expected over
Southwest Florida.

The main concern will be the potential for catastrophic and life-
threatening storm surge inundation along and near the Southwest
Florida Gulf coast. The storm surge threat is not only limited to the
immediate coast but also extends further inland. Devastating major
hurricane force winds across large portions of South Florida, away
from the east coast, is another significant concern with Irma.

Hurricane Irma continues slowing down as it begins to turn to the
northwest. The outer bands of Irma continue to move across South
Florida overnight with increasing frequency of tropical storm force
winds. The threat of tornadoes and strong wind gusts will continue to
increase as well. Hurricane force winds may begin as soon as the
pre-dawn hours on Sunday over the far southern tip of the peninsula
spreading northward throughout the morning hours.

Preparations to protect life and property should be complete! All
persons in South Florida should take shelter and be prepared for
dangerous conditions through Monday. Hurricane Irma is a potentially
deadly situation and should not be taken lightly. Everyone is urged to
exercise extreme caution in order to protect their lives.


POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible catastrophic
impacts across Southwest Florida. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
      severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
      onshore and stranded.

Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant to devastating impacts along the Miami-Dade County coast.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are starting to unfold across
western sections of South Florida. Remain well sheltered from
life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
      and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
      greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
      may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

Potential impacts from the main wind event beginning across the
remainder of South Florida. Remain well sheltered from life-
threatening wind having possible significant to extensive impacts.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are beginning to unfold
across much of South Florida. Remain well guarded against life-
threatening flood waters having possible  devastating impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Ditches and canals may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in
      many places with deep moving water. Flood control systems and
      barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes with streets, parking lots and underpasses submerged.
      Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and
      bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are beginning to unfold across
the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach metropolitan areas. Remain
well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible
extensive impacts.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across South
Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having
additional significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:

Broward County: Mandatory evacuation ordered for areas east of
Federal Highway, barrier islands, low-lying areas, and mobile homes.

Collier County: Mandatory evacuations of mobile homes and areas west
and south of US 41 including Goodland, Everglades City, and
Chokoloskee. Other areas have been ordered to evacuate today. Check
colliergov.net for the latest evacuation order maps.

Miami-Dade County: Mandatory evacuation of mobile homes, evacuation
zone A, zone B, portions of zone C, and barrier islands which
include Bal Harbour, Bay Harbour Islands, Golden Beach, Indian Creek
Village, Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Sunny Isles Beach, and
Surfside.

Palm Beach County: Mandatory evacuation of zones A and B, as well as
mobile homes and flood-prone areas. Voluntary evacuation of zone C.

For further information, contact 311 for Miami-Dade and Broward counties
and 211 across the rest of South Florida.

Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish
and flood waters abate.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
During the peak of the storm, keep sturdy shoes on and rain gear
handy. Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you
become unexpectedly exposed to the elements.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as
possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for
personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications
systems with idle chatter.

Do not be a senseless thrill seeker or risk your life for photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.

Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter
begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can.
Protect your head and body.

When major hurricanes make landfall, extreme winds bring a tremendous
threat to life and cause devastating to catastrophic damage. During
landfall, listen for extreme wind warnings which indicate the exact
timing and location of these incredible life-threatening winds. If
issued for you area, move to the safest place within your home or
shelter. Take the same life-saving actions as if it were a violent
tornado. Wearing a football or bicycle helmet can save a life.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Miami FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$
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